Backstroke and follow-through

I just realized how far back I pull my cue on power-strokes. Cool. Then the follow-through. You get an idea how much distance the shaft travels for big stroke. Photos were taken at recent event courtesy of Allison Fischer for nycgrind.com

New Age- still on track

I had probably a record-long break from blogging. In the meantime, I turned 40... Big number. But it is just a number isn't it? I believe aging is all relative. I think I was trying to feel what it was but I failed. I still think I'm around my mid-thirties. At least I think my metabolism is still good. Hehehe. Oh well.

You know, Its funny I've been hibernating for a couple months and then some folks think I retired. Well, on the contrary.
I've just done a bit of spring cleaning. Got rid of some clothes that I haven't used in a couple years, organized my flat to make it more functional with less clutter. (With a little help ;-) )
Hey, I even went to the handyman mode and grabbed the drill. That's right. Cos I'm into it.

Ok. Professionally speaking... I've grown a keen appreciation for teaching. Observing others and guiding them has actually been a way of solidifying my own game. I just have to analyze everything from grass-root level..

So part of Spring cleaning is getting a grip of the winning attitude. Getting rid of negative thoughts and excuses. I'm back at the gym too. Working the holiday fat off. Lol (had to add)

So, just like the pre-shot routine in pool, you need a solid foundation before you can excel.

So here are a few things that can help you win:

Make the shots you dread your favorites ever. (By this you ideally have to really work on the weaknesses of your game...tricking your subconscious mind can only get you so far although sometimes it can work.) therefore :

Attack every challenge with eagerness and curiosity. Feel that you are bound to succeed as long as you take the necessary steps to review and complete the task at hand.

Become "friends" with the conditions. Such as:

Table -banks, kicks, speed of the felt, rail speed (study it, own it)

Air quality (sudden rain, crowds building up etc)

Distractions ( sharking, construction, bad or just annoying music etc) - certain things you just have to accept. Most of them are out of our control.

One more thing that amazes me: a lot of people who want to learn fail to
give themselves a chance to watch professional pool. So go out there, study from the masters. Watch their routine, the follow-through, grip, stance... List goes on... If you can help it, at least play guys a tad better than yourself. Step by step, if you are hungry enough- you'll win.

PS. No more excuses, get your butt to the gym.


-ICEMAN-



Sent from my iPhone

Dark horses & World Champions

To Petri, my team mate, World Cup of Pool Co-Champion:

Thank you brother. A shared privilege is twice the privilege. I cannot even fathom what it means to you right now. I can only say that during my time of winning my first world title I could not really believe it for a week, maybe two. I literally woke up and yelled at the ceiling, World Champion! And then pinched myself to check I'm there.

Well, it's kinda happening all over again. This title is beginning to mean more to me than I would have imagined. I guess I had dreams of winning but it seemed a long shot still.

By the way: Keith, thanks for everything that week. From fixing the final look on the shirts, breakfasts, humoring us and actually showing up to watch and cheer for us- your input was priceless.

Petri, the week that you were here, all those hours we put in on the table. Your great attitude in which you never really questioned certain situations where you had to just trust my decision. And oh dear, your ability to perform when it mattered most. You sure pulled of some stunts. I was smiling inside but trying to play it cool.

Even that Friday, thank God we didn't have to play that day because I had food poisoning. (a secret I didn't want to let out before Saturday after we had take care or Reyes-Bustamante duo) yes, even that Friday you put in 7-8 hours at the table while I was bed-ridden. Only about 9pm I was "strong" enough to hold the cue. I just wanted to shoot a couple racks with you to reassure that Saturday I'll be back in form.

Even first match, we were down 0-4 against Korea. But we never lost faith. We had moments of agony of course. Yet stayed ON COURSE. Then went on to beat Three former WCOP-Champions and finally an Very-Much-In-Form Polish team. Hats of to them as well. Battle of the dark horses indeed.

I truly value this one just as I valued my first world championship.

Looking forward to more future battles...

Yours Sincerely,

Mika